Consultant for Mid-term Evaluation of the Japan Biodiversity Fund

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance, advocating for sustainable practices and policies worldwide. The organization operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges on a global scale.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for preparing a draft evaluation report and necessary information in a timely and effective manner, facilitating the mid-term evaluation of the Japan Biodiversity Fund (JBF) activities. This position requires close collaboration with the JBF team and involves various tasks such as supporting the evaluation process, developing a detailed work plan, drafting evaluation methodologies, and conducting interviews with relevant stakeholders. The consultant will also be expected to compile and consolidate information related to the JBF's activities and assist in communication with donors regarding the evaluation findings. The role is primarily remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements while ensuring alignment with the Secretariat's operational hours.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities under the supervision of the Principal Coordination Officer. These include:

• Supporting the mid-term evaluation process for the JBF by coordinating evaluation activities and organizing virtual communications.
• Developing a detailed work plan for the assignment in collaboration with the JBF team.
• Drafting an evaluation methodology that considers the previous phase of the JBF (2011-2022).
• Creating an annotated outline report for the mid-term evaluation.
• Compiling and consolidating information on the JBF's second phase activities (2023-2025) in coordination with the JBF team and other partners.
• Conducting interviews with Party representatives and relevant stakeholders to gather necessary evaluation data.
• Drafting the evaluation report based on the agreed methodology.
• Assisting the JBF team in communicating with donors about the evaluation findings.
• Performing any additional tasks assigned by the JBF Global Coordinator. The deliverables include a detailed work plan, evaluation methodology, annotated outline report, and the final evaluation report within specified timelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree or equivalent in environmental policy, sustainable development, public administration, or a related field. A minimum of seven years of progressive professional experience in project evaluation, analysis, or research methodologies is required. Experience within the United Nations Common System or similar international organizations is desirable, along with expertise in programme management, biodiversity, environmental issues, communication, and analytical writing. Experience working in Japan is also considered an asset. Strong evaluation and analytical skills are essential, as well as the ability to organize objective information and prepare comprehensive reports incorporating feedback from external reviewers.

Educational Background:
The position requires a postgraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as environmental policy, sustainable development, or public administration. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental governance and the evaluation processes involved in assessing the effectiveness of biodiversity initiatives.

Experience:
The consultant must have at least seven years of progressive professional experience in project evaluation, analysis, or research methodologies. This experience should ideally include work within the United Nations system or similar international organizations, focusing on biodiversity and environmental issues. Familiarity with programme management and communication strategies is also beneficial, as is experience in analytical writing and project analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is also necessary, given its status as another working language. Additionally, knowledge of the Japanese language is desirable, as it may enhance communication with stakeholders involved in the JBF. Familiarity with other United Nations languages is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. However, the successful candidate should be based in the Eastern Time zone (GMT-5) or a nearby time zone to ensure convenient working hours. The expected duration of the consultancy is four months, and travel may be required for in-person meetings depending on project needs and mutual agreement. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.